Robin G. Jones
Executive Director, Arbella Insurance Foundation
Message from Robin Jones
Since 2005, the Arbella Foundation, in partnership with Arbella employees and independent agents, has donated $49.5 million and thousands of volunteer hours to the communities we serve. Last year, we celebrated our 20th anniversary with a spirit of gratitude and numerous events and initiatives.
It was a challenging time for our communities, as many nonprofit organizations with limited resources lost significant state and federal funding. Through it all, the Foundation continued to be a trusted and reliable partner.
With Gratitude. Here. For Good.
We began our signature “Let’s Drive Out Hunger” campaign earlier than usual and extended it throughout the year to alleviate increasing levels of food insecurity. In total, employees, agents, and the Foundation donated $214,000 to local food pantries.
Employees and agents also maximized their donations through our Matching Gift program, contributing an additional $376,000 to the community organizations that matter most to them.
Financial support was only part of the story. Employees contributed more than 1,700 volunteer hours to 34 organizations, including the Greater Boston YMCA, Catie’s Closet, and Rosie’s Place, while also participating in events such as the Stop the Stigma 5K, Jimmy Fund Walk, and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
The hallmark of our celebration was our “$20K for 20 Nonprofits” initiative, which enabled employees and agents to nominate a charity of their choice for a $20,000 donation. Through the program, the Foundation donated $400,000 to nonprofits throughout New England.
For us, gratitude is not confined to a moment; it is a constant in who we are. While the challenges our communities faced in 2025 will continue, the Arbella Foundation remains a steadfast ally to organizations and individuals driving positive change.
With continued commitment,
Robin G. Jones
Executive Director Arbella Insurance Foundation
John F. Donohue Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Arbella Insurance Foundation
Message from John F. Donohue
At Arbella, we have always believed that a successful company’s responsibilities extend beyond financial performance. When I founded Arbella Insurance Group in 1988 with the late Frank Bellotti and the late Lee McLean, we were clear on our obligation to support not only our employees, independent agents, and customers, but also the communities we serve. While the company’s initial charitable efforts were informal, they defined our approach to giving and laid the groundwork for what became the Arbella Insurance Foundation.
Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has grown to be an active and sophisticated partner in nonprofit work throughout New England. We remain committed to organizations addressing hunger, homelessness, inadequate health care, and other pressing issues in our region, and we value the opportunity to support exceptional, new organizations year after year.
Arbella employees and agents play an active role in expanding our reach. I have been impressed by the depth of their engagement and commitment to helping others. They’ve taught me a lot through the years, and have introduced the Foundation to many charities we
fund today. Because of their dedication, the Foundation has been recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a Massachusetts Top Charitable Contributor for 17 consecutive years.
The Foundation’s work for the past 20 years reflects the contributions of many, including Frank Bellotti, a quiet champion of service who helped shape our mission and broaden our impact. We remember Frank for his integrity and his example.
Although the world is changing rapidly, the fundamental needs of our communities remain the same. The Foundation will continue to support organizations working to address basic inequities, as well as those developing creative, long-term solutions. Arbella will always be Here. For Good.
Sincerely,
John F. Donohue Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Arbella Insurance Foundation
Arbella Insurance Group Employees
Arbella employees are invaluable partners in the Foundation’s mission and success. Their engagement is the source of our strength, enabling us to reach communities and individuals most in need.
More than 450 employees participated in 78 volunteer events in 2025, demonstrating the company’s deep commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work. They read with students at Quincy Public Schools, collected excess farm crops for Rachel’s Table, and helped students prepare college essays at 826 Boston. They assembled lunches for Father Bill’s & MainSpring, made blankets for children and families in need, and organized hygiene kits for women experiencing hardship. In total, employees donated more than 1,700 hours of service to 34 organizations.
Employees also generously supported charitable causes through year-round fundraising and giving initiatives. During our annual “Pink Day” event, they, in partnership with the Foundation, raised $60,000 for the DanaFarber Cancer Institute, totaling more than $600,000
in donations for cancer care and research since 2009. Through the annual “Let’s Drive Out Hunger” program, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars together for food pantries throughout New England.
In May, employees participated in the on-site Sweat and Sip workout class in support of Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA). Led by a Special Olympics athlete and her mother, the class raised more than $4,000 for SOMA.
“It takes a village to build strong communities where people have access to basic necessities. I just want to do my part. I feel fortunate to work for an organization that shares my values and encourages its employees to give back.”
– Michelle DiPietro, Director, Contact Center Operations, Arbella Insurance Group
“While we support almost 30 nonprofits, our agency uses the Foundation’s Matching Gift program to invest in those making the greatest local impact. When $500 turns into $1,000, or $1,000 turns into $2,000, that is impactful. We are thankful for the matching funds that Arbella so generously gives.”
– Stephen G. Todd, CPCU, CIC, President and CEO of Brooks, Todd & McNeil
Arbella Insurance Group Agents
Another driving force behind the Foundation is the voice of Arbella’s independent agents, whose deep community involvement helps us fulfill our mission. As local leaders with strong ties to the populations they serve, Arbella agents have a profound understanding of the needs of those who live and work in their neighborhoods.
Throughout the year, agents rallied behind causes that strengthened community health and well-being: In August, they contributed more than $6,000 to the Dana-Farber/Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon in support of lifesaving cancer research and care. Together, we donated more than $160,000 to 88 New England regional food programs addressing food insecurity. Additionally, eligible agents used the Foundation’s Matching Gift program to double their impact throughout the year.
In total, the Foundation and Arbella agents donated more than $300,000 to our communities in 2025. We are grateful for their partnership and generosity. Through our collective efforts, we are creating lasting impact and helping New England flourish.
“The Foundation values the voices of its partners and gives weight to the issues we care about. It doesn’t just encourage community involvement. It invests in it.”
– Lori Goodell, Senior Vice President, Greylock Insurance Agency
Celebrating 20 years of Community Impact
The Foundation’s 20th anniversary was more than just a milestone: It was an opportunity to recognize Arbella employees, agents, and our nonprofit partners whose compassion and commitment have supported the New England region for two decades.
Throughout the year, we hosted a series of events and initiatives to thank them for their lasting contributions to our communities.
Boston Symphony Orchestra Performance
In March, we honored 50 Arbella employee volunteers and their guests at a special cocktail reception and Boston Symphony Orchestra performance.
Volunteer Appreciation Day
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we recognized employee volunteers with a special event featuring Red Sox and summer concert ticket giveaways and new volunteer opportunities, capturing the spirit and impact of employee volunteers.
Arbella Insurance Foundation
• Arbella Insurance Foundation established
• First charitable donation to Father Bill’s & MainSpring
• Recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a Top Charitable Contributor
• First annual employee-led Pink Day event for Dana Farber
• Let’s Drive Out Hunger program launches
• Employee volunteering program begins
2005-2009 Giving Milestone First $1 million donated to charitable organizations
• Distractology program for teen drivers introduced
• Arbella Foundation and Boston Symphony Orchestra expand partnership to include youth school bus program
• Partnerships with Special Olympics MA and CT established
2010-2014 Giving Milestone
Surpasses $10 million in charitable giving
Spotlight on Local Nonprofits
Over a three-week period, the Foundation showcased six of its local nonprofit partners in articles sent to Arbella employees. Catie’s Closet, Circle of Hope, Rachel’s Table, Germantown Neighborhood Center, Friends of Boston’s Homeless, and SAFE Coalition were featured for the critical work they do in their communities and for their strong partnerships with the Foundation.
The $20K for 20 Nonprofits Initiative
The Foundation launched its “$20K for 20 Nonprofits” initiative, awarding first-time grants to 20 organizations selected from more than 100 employee and agent nominations. The initiative culminated in a celebratory luncheon where employees and agents presented checks to the nonprofits they championed, reinforcing Arbella’s deeply personal, relationship-driven approach to philanthropy.
“I nominated Casa Myrna for the $20K for 20 initiative and was overjoyed when it was chosen as one of the recipients. The Foundation’s generous donation to this important organization shows its unwavering commitment to supporting our community’s most vulnerable. Here. For Good. isn’t just a slogan. We really mean it.”
– Calvin Utter, Corporate Counsel, Arbella Insurance Group
Foundation Through the Years
• Employee Matching Gift program exceeds $1 million in giving
• Arbella employees celebrate 10 years of participating in the Walk For Hunger, raising close to $1 million
• National disaster relief efforts exceed $700,000
Arbella Foundation celebrates 20 years of community impact
• Social Justice Initiative launches
• Presenting sponsor of the Interfaith Social Services Stop the Stigma 5K
• Arbella employees surpass 26,000 volunteer hours
“We are deeply grateful for the Arbella Foundation’s generosity, which has helped Ellis Early Learning sustain the high-quality early education, behavioral and developmental care, and essential supports that our children and families rely on every day. Arbella’s investment reflects a shared commitment to equity and a belief in every child’s potential.”
– Lauren Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Ellis Early Learning
Investing in Communities, Advancing Equity
Social justice is at the core of every cause and organization we support. From expanding access to quality healthcare and educational opportunities, to addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and economic mobility, these efforts help create stronger and more equitable communities in our region. We remain committed to supporting communities where individuals and families have a chance to thrive.
Journey Forward
Exercise is essential for everyone, but especially for those living with spinal cord injuries and disabilities. Journey Forward offers comprehensive, long-term exercise programs to improve the lives of those living with paralysis. As a long-time partner of Journey Forward, we support its mission to give people the treatment they need to restore their independence. In 2025, the Foundation funded new equipment and program access, as this kind of care isn’t covered by insurance.
Ellis Early Learning
Ellis Early Learning is a daycare and preschool that supports children across the socio-economic spectrum, providing quality education in an inclusive, diverse environment. As part of its commitment to giving children the best early learning experience, Ellis aims to provide students with healthy food throughout the day. With financial assistance from the Foundation, Ellis was able to offer fresh and nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks daily.
The New Commonwealth Fund
The New Commonwealth Fund (NCF) contributes meaningful funding to minority-led nonprofits that serve and uplift underrepresented communities. The Foundation invested in NCF to help establish a leadership development program for its large cohort of minority leaders. The program enables NCF to train nonprofit leaders on how to manage and supervise a nonprofit organization.
“When we decided to move away from federal funding, the Arbella Foundation was one of very few corporate funders who reached out to us. In that moment, new revenue sources were key, and the Foundation’s reputation opened the door for new supporters to find us.”
– Jenna Leschuk, Senior Director of Development,
826 Boston
A Challenging Funding Landscape
In 2025, nonprofits in New England faced growing financial pressures amid economic uncertainty and rising community need. At the same time, organizations experienced reductions in state and federal funding. The Foundation remained a trusted and reliable partner to organizations addressing urgent and emerging community needs.
826 Boston
826 Boston is a writing, tutoring, and publishing organization that gives Boston public school students a platform to share their stories, amplify their voices, and develop as leaders. Last year, 826 Boston made the decision to waive federal funding to maintain its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, losing a significant amount of its budget as a result. The Foundation partnered with 826 Boston to help fill this gap and continue its writing and tutoring programs.
Friends of the Children Boston
Friends of the Children provides long-term professional mentoring for youth who have faced childhood adversity and trauma. In the fall, the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program meant that many of the families served by Friends of the Children suddenly faced food insecurity. In response, the Foundation contributed emergency funding to give every family a grocery gift card, ensuring they would have access to food during this challenging time.
Chica Project
Dedicated to empowering girls and young women of color, Chica Project strives to create a world in which women of color have the opportunity to rise to their full potential. In support of this mission, the Foundation provided funding for the Chicas Peer Leadership Program, designed to help girls in middle and high school refine their decision-making and teamwork skills. The program helps peer leaders break out of their shells and build confidence in addition to offering college and career counseling.
Our Total Impact
Since its inception in 2005, the Arbella Insurance Foundation has donated $49.5 million to organizations serving communities throughout New England.
Our impact would not be possible without the dedication of our nonprofit partners and the generosity of Arbella employees and agents, who continue to show up for their communities in times of stability and times of need.
One of the things that differentiates the Foundation is our commitment to helping our nonprofit partners build capacity within their organizations to achieve their missions. This includes consulting on long-term planning, fundraising strategies, and board development.
While we are proud of what has been accomplished over the past 20 years, the needs facing our communities continue to evolve. The Foundation remains committed to listening, learning, and responding thoughtfully to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
School
Journey Home
Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County
The Kacie Project
Liberty School PTO • Life Needs Co Op • Lifesavers: Skylyr’s Passion Rescue • Link to Libraries
OFFICERS
JOHN F. DONOHUE
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
ROBIN G. JONES
Executive Director
CHRISTOPHER E. HALL
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Executive Vice President
GAIL EAGAN
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Clerk
Kenway’s Cause Animal Rescue
The Latino Newsletter
Lawrence Academy
Lawrence Boys Club & Girls Club
Lazarus House • Leander House •Learn to Cope
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society
Little Rhody Rescue
Little Sparks Project
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
Londonderry Police Association
Look. Foundation
Looking Upwards
Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry • Louis D. Brown Peace Institute
Lupus Foundation of America
Mabel Center for Immigrant Justice
Make-A-Wish of New Hampshire
DIRECTORS
Make-A-Wish America
Make-A-Wish of Connecticut
Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Making Ends Meet
Malden Catholic High School • Malden Overcoming Addiction
Thomas S. Carpenter
Anne M. DeFrancesco
John F. Donohue
William H. DuMouchel
Aisha Francis, Ph.D.
Andrea W. Gargiulo
Elizabeth K. Kim
Thomas R. Kiley
Joseph G. Murphy
Brian J. O’Dwyer
Jeannette M. Orsino
Aaron R. Thomas
Diane Brooks – Foundation Relations
Kristen Robinson – Program Support Coordinator